At a recent council meeting, we directed staff to send out a request for proposals for a planning study regarding the healthy life center concept. These RFPs were evaluated by a team of representatives from some of the collaborating partners (Iowa State University, Mary Greeley Medical Center, Heartland Senior Services, the Ames Community School District, and the city), and the recommendation is to work with RDG.

In 2015, the council decided to move forward with a complete streets policy. Nearly two years later, we’re ready to move forward with a consultant who will work with city staff to draft an actual plan, which, when finished, will include specifics about how to improve all modes of transportation when designing Ames streets. As an advocate of complete streets, I am excited that we’re making progress on this, and will soon have a comprehensive plan. (Well, “soon” relative to the speed at which bureaucracy moves … we’re two years in already.)

The ASSET process is one of the major ways Ames funds local human service agencies. The volunteers meet annually to review the goals and priorities of this program, and are recommending the same priorities as last year. The city’s priorities are to “meet basic needs” (for those with low or moderate income), “meet mental health and chemical dependency needs,” and support “youth development services and activities.”

Annually, the council hears a report on user surveys relating to the inspections and planning departments and the economic development process. Those who use inspections and planning (landlords, developers, etc.) had the option to fill out an online survey during January and February. Fifty-five users took the survey, and most graded the departments favorably.